Lying in bed, Marlena rolled over and watched her husband sleep. He was so peaceful as his chest rose and fell. She ran her hand though his silky hair. She rested her head on his strong chest and breathed in his scent. She was in heaven, and she had been in this euphoria for 7 years now. She finally married her sweetheart, and they were living the life they had always dreamed of.
She fidgeted, trying to get comfortable. The morning sunlight began filtering in through the blinds, flooding over their bodies. She pulled him closer, feeling his body heat against her bare skin. She could hear his heart beating. She heard the flutter of his breath. She closed her eyes and fell asleep with his strong arms wrapped around her body.
***
“John, can you come into my office?” The CEO said over John’s intercom.
“Sure, I’ll be right there sir.”
John exited his office and headed down the hall. He reached the CEO’s office and knocked lightly on the door.
“Come in.” John pushed open the door and walked into the office. He straightened his suit. “Sit down John. I need to talk to you.”
John eased over to the seat, worried about what his boss was about to tell him. “John. I have some bad news. Well, it’s not really *bad* news. We have to transfer you.”
“What? To where?”
“To Salem. But don’t worry, it’s a great little town, you’ll fit in fine. You will be working at the major publishing company there, Titan. You will be Executive CEO as you are here. It’s the same job, just different scenery. You’ll love it there. You’ll be leaving for Salem on Thursday.”
“Ok. Well thank you. Is that all?”
“Yes, you may go now. Good luck.”
John slowly walked out of the office and sat back down at his desk. He dialed up his home number. “Hello?” his wife’s voice echoed from the phone.
“Hey sweetie. I have some bad news. I’ve been transfered. We have to leave on Thursday.”
“Where are we going?”
“To Salem.”
John pulled his black jeep Cherokee into the Titan parking lot, adjusting his tie in the mirror. He was about to open the door when he heard his cell phone ringing.
“John Black,” he said answering it.
“Hey sexy, this new home is so lonely without you…”
John laughed and leaned back into the warm plush seats. “Hey Alex,” John said as he heard his wife’s soft voice through the phone. “You know I wish I was home…I swear this town is the size of my thumb. I have to see if David will transfer me back to California. So my darling wife, what are you up to today?”
“Well, we passed by this mall yesterday and you know me and malls…”
“Yes of course, large credit cards bills, thousands of packages piled up on the beds, and sometimes even a new convertible,” John joked.
“Honey, I grew up in Beverly Hills, the first thing I ever learned, was how to shop! Anyway, I’ll let you go, I just wanted to wish you good luck. I love you Johnny.”
“I love you too Ali.” John hung up his phone and got out of the car, the Salem sun beating down on him as he walked into Titan Publishing.
*****
Marlena sat at a large conference room table, glancing at her watch. Her blonde curly hair sat evenly at her shoulders, a lavender sun dress, illuminating her tall, slender figure. “Look Victor, I’m sorry but I have patients to see, papers to sort through, Eric and Greta are throwing a barbecue that I need to be on time for…so if Mr. Black doesn’t show up in two minutes, I’m leaving,” Marlena said agitated.
“Marlena, he just moved here. He probably got lost, calm down, all right?” Victor reasoned as he continued to sort through business papers.
Before Marlena could answer, a sophisticated gentleman walked into the room. His short brown hair was set evenly on his head, a black business suit draped onto his well built body. His baby blue eyes shot out at Marlena, almost as if a bullet had escaped its way from the gun and froze time…his eyes froze her mind with the depth of its color. She snapped out of her reverie when she heard Victor’s voice.
“Hello John. I hope you didn’t get to lost finding this place.”
“Actually no, I found it right away. I’m sorry for being a few moments late, my wife called me…”
“That’s not very professional, Mr. Black,” Marlena responded.
“Marlena,” Victor whispered. “Behave.”
Marlena rolled her eyes and leaned back in the leather chair. “Okay, why don’t we get down to business. The reason I need your help Mr. Black is I need you to help me raise money and set up funds for a new wing at the hospital I work at. My goal is approximately $4000 by next month and another
1000 as every month passes.”
“Are you kidding? Do you know how long that will take? You can’t just set up funds and wah lah you’re rich. You would need to invest in stocks, sell a couple of them if they’re doing good, and drop the ones that keep decreasing in profits. Making money doesn’t happen overnight Doctor,” John reasoned.
“I said by next month, not overnight. And if I’m not mistaken, isn’t this your job? If you can’t do your job Mr. Black, I’ll find someone who will,” Marlena said coldly.
“Fine, we’ll need to arrange more meetings…unfortunately,” John muttered under his breath.
Marlena grinded her teeth as she became aggravated and annoyed with the stranger in front of her. “That is fine. I will call you as soon as I have the dates panned out. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do…” Marlena’s cell phone rang and she took it out of her bag, trying her best to keep her conversation in privacy. “…no, I have some work to do in my office first, tell Eric if I’m a little late that I’ll be there… I love you too.” She hung up her phone and noticed John was already at the door.
He turned around and gave her a sly smile. “Calls from spouses aren’t very professional, Doctor,” John said as he slammed the conference room door shut leaving Marlena fuming.
“Uggh can you believe that?” Marlena said turning to Victor.
“You asked for it Marlena.” He smirked.
“Excuse me? I don’t think so. I don’t understand why all the new guys have to be so irritating. I need to go meet up with Roman. I talk to you soon. You better hope this Mr. Black gets his job done.”
“Don’t worry Marlena. He’s the best there is. You’ll see.”
Marlena rolled her eyes and pushed open the door of the conference room. She started speed walking down the office. She was flipping through papers and not paying attention to where she was going. As she turned the corner she walked right into someone, her papers flew all over the hallway.
“What the hell do you…” She trailed off as she saw John’s face looking at her. “Mr. Black. Do I really need to see you again so soon? Aren’t you planning how you are going to get your job done?”
“Calm down Mrs. Brady. I’ll get the job done. I’ve already thought of a perfect fundraiser.”
Marlena’s eyes lit up. When it came to business and money, she was always interested, “Really? Do you care to share this *brilliant* idea?”
“Actually…no. You’ll just have to wait and see.” John handed Marlena the last few papers that were lying on the ground and walked past her down the hallway.
“Uggggh.” She moaned before grabbing the last of her papers and heading to the elevator.
***
John was sitting in his car after speaking to Victor again. He whipped out his cell phone and began dialing his home number.
“Hello?” Alex’s voice came from the other end.
“Hey there pretty lady.”
“Hey! How did your conference go?”
“All right I guess. I have to raise $4000 by next month.”
“Whoa! That’s a lot. Have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“Of course! I’m going to hold a charity dance, where the people of Salem bid on the most well-known and prestigious men and women who live here.”
***
Marlena pulled her mercedes into Eric’s driveway and put the car in park. She checked her make-up and hair in the rear view mirror before heading for the front door. She lightly knocked on the door as she straighted out her summer dress.
“Mom!!” Eric said as he opened the door and reached to hug her.
“Hey sweetie. How are you? Sorry I’m late.”
“Don’t worry about it! You’re right on time!! Come on in. Everyone is in the back. Go ahead I have to get something from the kitchen.”
Marlena headed out to the patio. She greeted all those who she saw on her way to her husband. “Hello love of my life.” She said before planting a big kiss on his lips.
***
Marlena was in the kitchen helping Greta get some more drinks when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it sweetie.” Marlena said heading to the door. She pushed open the door to see John Black and a young, blond woman holding a covered dish standing in the doorway.
“What on earth are you doing here Mr. Black?”
“Oh Marlena. I didn’t know you would be here. We just moved in next door. Greta invited us over for dinner. How do you know…”
“She’s my daughter-in-law.”
“Greta is your daughter-in-law?” John asked amazed as he and Alex stood in the doorway.
“Yes, she is married to my son Eric.” Marlena looked next to John and for the first time since opening the door, she noticed the blonde next to him. Her green eyes shimmered like sapphires and a pale lavender tank top and short black skirt was set on her body. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to seem rude, I’m Marlena Brady.”
“Alexandra Black,” she said extending her hand. “So how do you and my Johnny know each other?” Alex asked sweetly.
‘Ugh Johnny?’ Marlena thought giving her the up and down. ‘Could this woman be any more Beverly Hills?’
“Honey, Marlena is the client I told you about this morning,” John replied butting in.
“And you probably heard not nice things about me. Well, I am a lot looser when it comes to being with family and friends,” Marlena stated honestly. “Let me bring you to the backyard, that’s where everyone is.” Alex and John walked in past her as she led them to the backyard.
**********
Marlena noticed John standing alone and walked over to him, flipping her sunglasses onto her head. “So Mr. Black, what is this wonderful fund raising idea you have?”
“Not now, Mrs. Brady, this is supposed to be *non* work related.”
“That’s Dr. Evans to you,” she replied snidely. “Oh and by the way, your wife is a true spokesmodel for Beverly Hills 90210. What happened with the show? Did it not work out?”
“For your information Aaron Spelling wanted her but she turned him down. But your husband…wow the showing off of his gun makes him a *real* man. Too bad all he uses it for is show…”
“Why I am even bothering with you in beyond my belief…”
“Hey Doc, you started this not me…”
“First off, never call me Doc, my husband does and you aren’t really worthy to be doing that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must talk to my daughter.”
“Wait what was *second of all,*” John replied snidely.
“Uuuuugh,” Marlena screamed storming off.
**********
“Did you have fun tonight sweetie?” Roman asked as he took off his loafers and put them into his cloest.
“Oh most definitely. I love what Greta has done to the place and I know exactly where her and Eric can put the nursery when she gets pregnant…”
“Marlena, stick with Will for a while and leave Eric and Greta alone with the whole baby thing. They only married a few months ago,” Roman interrupted.
“It’s a mother’s prerogative to push her kids to have kids. So there,” she laughed sticking out her tongue. “But I had a great time, I have been so busy with work that I missed Hope, Bo, Shawn, Lexi, Abe…it was good to see them.”
“I liked Alexandra. She seems really sweet…”
“Ah Miss Beverly Hills.”
“Actually I found out she used to live next door to my Uncle Ames.”
“Oh yes Ames, first off, have to say it every time, what a name that guy had! And second, didn’t you hate him? He was so filled with prestige and all he cared about was money like everyone else who lived there…”
“Yeah well I really liked her.”
“Well, I’m sorry I can’t say the same thing about her husband…I am beginning to despise the man,” Marlena stated as she got into bed, pushing the image of John Black out of her mind.
*********
“Did you speak to Roman Brady at all tonight?” Alex asked as she sat at her vanity combing her long golden locks.
“Mr. Rent A Cop? Nope, I’m sorry I missed such an opportunity like that,” John replied sarcastically.
Alex laughed and pushed her hair over her left shoulder. “He was really sweet actually, I liked him a lot.”
“Well I’m sorry I can’t say the same thing about his wife…I am beginning to despise the woman,” John replied, shutting out the light and visions of the woman he was starting to hate.
Marlena rolled over to snuggle up with Roman. It was already noon and they hadn’t gotten out of bed since the night before. They both had the day off and planned on spending it relaxing. She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly looking longingly at his face. He pretended to still be alseep, but when she started tickling him, he couldn’t keep from laughing.
“Hey!!” he pleaded trying to push her away from him. He grabbed her arms and rolled her back over to her side of the bed. “Now it’s your turn,” he said, smirking. He let go of her hands and began tickling her. She squirmed under his grip and squealed uncomfortably.
“Stop it!!” she screamed.
“Ohhh you don’t like it when the tables are turned, do you?” he joked before easing up on the tickling and leaning down to give her a passionate kiss.
***
“So what do you want to do today?” John said taking a sip of his coffee and glancing at the sports section of the paper.
“Ummm….How about…Shopping?” Alex said gleefully, a huge smile stretching across her face.
John laughed, “Did I even have to ask? I think you created the phrase *born to shop*.”
“Funny. So, can we go to Salem Place and pick up a few things?”
“And what do you mean by a few things?”
“Umm…like 20 shirts, 100 skirts, you know, the usual.”
“Oooyy. This is going to be an interesting day.”
“No…No…Not interesting….FUN!” she gigled, “Go get ready!!”
***
“Do we really have to go to Salem Place today Roman?” Marlena whined as she zippered up her light pink summer dress.
“Are you feeling ok Marlena?” Roman said as he walked out of the bathroom with a white towel around his waist.
She spun around to see him, “Yes, why?”
“Because you ALWAYS want to go shopping.” he said pulling her body close to his wet skin.
“Roman, you’re all wet!!” She tried pushing him away, but it was no use.
“That’s ok, I’ll dry you off,” he said pulling her lips to his. His tongue flooded her mouth, sending chills down her spine.
Once they broke from the kiss, Marlena spoke, “Well you certainly warmed me up. But you’re always good at doing that. Now, why can’t we stay home….” She kissed his lips, her eyes remained open, “And do…” She kissed him again, “This……” She kissed him once more, but this time her tongue entered his mouth and swirled around his.
“Oh don’t you wish we could do this all day,” he joked with her once they broke from the kiss. “You’re wearing me out woman!! Get ready,” he said slapping her butt as he walked back into the bathroom.
***
Alex was walking through Salem Place on a high. She was glaring into all the windows, admiring everything she saw. This was one of the most extravagent malls she had ever seen, and she definitely took advantage of that. “Hurry up honey,” she called to John as she ran into Ballistix.
John followed slowly behind her with bags overflowing from both of his hands. He could barely fit in through the door. “Alex!!” He hollered as he tried to open the door to Ballistix.
She didn’t even hear him though. She was picking up several dresses of different styles for her to try on.
The Sales Associate at the front of the door helped John inside. “Here you go sir. Would you like to sit down?”
“No..No.. I need to tell my wife to stop spending all my money,” he said as he headed over to Alex
John walked into Balistix throwing Alex’s bags onto the floor. She looked at him, her blue eyes wide with shock, her mouth hanging open.
“Sweetie, what are you doing?” she asked innocently, placing the baby blue summer dress back on it’s hook.
“That’s it Ali. You can’t just play me off as your personal wallet. Damn it Alex, not everyone from Beverly Hills is superficial, but do you realize you’re making people see you that way?”
“What the hell do you care about what other people think?” she shot back, leaning her back against the dress rack, her arms crossed sternly. “And how is shopping superficial? Everyone does it John.”
“Yeah but not everyone spends over $2000 in a day. I may be rich, but I do not work like a dog at my job, stay in my office for endless hours just so you can blow it on clothes you wear once, *if* that!”
“Fine, I’m done spending your hard earned money,” she mocked, gathering her bags and storming out of Balistix.
******
“Roman, if you take me into one more cop shop, I swear I’m going to die,” Marlena whined as she looked at the caller ID on her cell phone.
“Hold on Doc, I go with you to all those clothing stores…”
“Look Roman, I have to go into the office at some point today to look over a few of my new patients charts and I really do not want to spend the time I have alone with you in a stupid cop shop…can we please leave?”
“If you want to leave then leave, but I am looking for something,” he said leafing through a catalog.
Marlena rolled her eyes and picked up her bag. “Fine, I’ll see you at home,” she said coldly as she walked out of the store.
****
Roman was walking towards Java Cafe when he notcied Alexandra Black sitting at a table alone, stirring her straw in her mocha latte. “This seat taken?” Roman asked as he walked up to her.
She looked up and smiled pointing to the seat across from her. “No actually, why don’t you join me.” She looked around and focused her eyes back on him. “So where is your wife?”
“Ah my wife. She stormed off in a rage. Where’s your husband?”
Alex smiled and took a sip of her latte. “I stormed off…I guess it’s a great day for realtionships…my horoscope told me that I’d have marriage problems…I guess every Virgo in the world must be having the same problem…”
“No kidding,” Roman laughed. “I’m a Virgo.”
****
Marlena was walking through Salem Place, her eyes focused on her bag, trying to find a piece of gum when she walked right into someone.
“I’m sorry,” she said as she looked up, seeing John Black before her.
“We must stop running into each other like this,” he joked, picking up her bag.
“Clever, Mr. Black. So where’s the wife? Shopping?” Marlena teased.
“Ugh probably. Did you know it was possible to spend over $2000 in only three hours?”
“You’re joking right?”
John laughed. “That’s my wife.” John looked over towards Java Cafe and saw Alex sitting with Roman Brady. “Well, it looks like our spouses have found a common bond, so listen would you like to come back to Titan, maybe discuss the fundraiser I have in store for Salem?”
“I’d love to,” Marlena smiled. “Oh by the way, that pie you made for Greta and Eric, that was great,” Marlena said sarcastically.
“Oh shut up, I never said I was Martha Stewart,” John replied as they got into his red porshe and sped off.
“This isn’t the way to Titan. Where are you taking me Mr. Black??” Marlena sat confused in his tiny red porshe.
“Calm down Marlena. I thought we could go somewhere a little less stressful to talk about the fundraiser. Oh and would you mind not calling me Mr. Black? It sounds so official. John would be fine.”
“Ok..JOHN. Where are we going?!?!”
“You’ll see.”
“Tell me where we are going!! NOW!”
“Jeesh. I’m guessing you do not like surprises. Am I correct?”
“I hate surprises. But I hate being trapped in a tiny car with a complete stranger as well.”
“Do you find yourself in that situation a lot?”
“Funny.”
“I’m not a *complete* stranger, am I? I mean we’ve known each other for over 24 hours.”
“You think you’re pretty funny, don’t you? Well I’m sorry to inform you that you are far from funny. A lot closer to irritating.”
***
“Wow! Another Virgo?!” Alex said sipping her latte. “So what else can I learn about you?”
“Well there’s really not much to know. I’m a police officer for the Salem PD. I’ve been married to Marlena for about 17 years. We’ve been through a lot. We have 4 children. One of our daughters, Carrie, is my daughter from another marriage. Sami and Eric are our twins. And Dylan is our youngest son. What about you?”
“Well. John and I have been married for about 10 years now. We don’t have any children yet. John’s been really focused on his career. We came from a very small town in Michigan. It’s such a change to come to Salem. It’s so wonderful here though. I love it.”
“Are you two planning on having children?”
“Soon. I hope. It’s all up to John.”
“Really? See it was the total opposite in my relationship. Marlena tells me what to do and when to do it.” They both laughed.
“She seems kind of domineering. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I really don’t think she likes me.”
“No she likes you. She’s always like that. When new people come in and interfere with her job, she gets worried. She’ll warm up to you soon enough. You’re a sweetheart!”
“Thanks.” Alex said, blushing.
“Are you hungry?”
Alex glanced at her watch, “Wow it’s getting kind of late. I am getting
hungry.”
“Let’s go get something to eat. Our spouses are obviously far away from this mall. I know a great chinese restuarant down the road. Do you like chinese food?”
“I love it. Let’s go.” She said grabbing her bags and following Roman to his car.
“Ooooh so I’m irritating,” John smiled as he drove past the limits of Salem.
“Uuugh, why did I even agree to go somewhere with you, do you know I hate you?” she replied snidly turning to the window.
“Awww, come on Marlena, you do not. You know you love me, in fact you love me so much that you’re going to listen to my charity idea.”
“Uh sorry Black, I’m going to listen because I need to raise money. God, where are we going anyway? We left Salem like 10 minutes ago, you’re not taking me to some barn to rape me are you?”
“Uh yeah Doctor, that’s *exactly* what I am doing,” John replied sarcastically. “No we’re going to this great chinese resteraunt in Lanesview. Now tell me Marlena, just exactly what is your problem? Are you always this bitchy or is it only around extremely attractive men?” John questioned as Marlena stared at him wide eyed.
****************************
“Wait, so you really just dumped your sleeping bag on her floor and demanded to stay over night,” Alex laughed as Roman told her the first time he had met Marlena. The two of them sat in a quaint Chinese Resteraunt in the outter skirts of Salem, away from all the chaos, the little town posessed.
“Yeah and she gave into me…but I don’t know, have you ever felt like you are married to someone and you love them and you know they love you but you just can’t seem to connect with them. Don’t get me wrong, Marlena and I, we’re great together but she seems so involved with work these days that a barbeque at her son’s house seems like to much, I don’t know I’m probably just over reacting.”
“Not at all,” Alex said sympathetically, placing her hand over his. “I actually know exactly what that feels like. It’s like, John and I used to have this perfect marriage…he would always come home at 5 and we’d eat dinner together and just sit together and watch TV in each others arms and it was so completely peaceful. But then he got this job and he’s been working non stop. We got in this huge fight today about money and I just wish we
could somehow go back to what was.”
Roman moved his chair over closer to Alexandra and looked at her distinguishing features…her soft brown locks, her chocolate cream colored eyes…before he knew what he was doing, his lips met hers in a soft lip lock, intesifying as the seconds ticked.
Roman moved his chair over closer to Alexandra and looked at her distinguishing features…her soft brown locks, her chocolate cream colored eyes…before he knew what he was doing, his lips met hers in a soft lip lock, intesifying as the seconds ticked.
***
John pulled into the parking lot of the Chinese restaurant and turned off the ignition. “We’re here!”
“I’ve heard about this place!! Is it good?”
“The best! Let’s go!”
He opened his door and ran around to her side to open the door for her. He extended his hand and she placed hers right onto his palm as they walked towards the door.
***
Alex and Roman broke from their kiss and stared across the table at each other. Neither of them knew what to say about what just happened. As their eyes were locked in a glance, the door opened and John and Marlena walked in giggling.
Roman spotted his wife and diverted his glance to her. Alex turned around, following his eyes to see her husband standing there. “What the hell are they doing here?” He said staring at them.
“What the hell are we doing here Roman?” Alex said glaring at him.
***
“Look John! There are our spouses. I wonder what they are doing here?”
“Let’s go see.”
John and Marlena headed over to Roman and Alex’s table. “Hey there! What are you two doing here?” Marlena said smiling.
“I could ask the same thing of you two.” Roman said glaring at them.
“What’s that supposed to mean Roman?”
“Nothing.” He said glancing at Alex who had a worried and nervous look on her face.
“Can we join you?” John said.
“Of course sweetie. Sit down.” Alex said smiling nervously.
“Are you all right Alex?” John said sitting down rubbing her leg.
Marlena sat down next to Roman and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Did you order yet?”
“No. We were just…talking.” Alex blurted out.
“Ok. Let’s order then. I’m starving.” Marlena said giving John a strange look which he returned.
Alex sat uneasily in the chair glancing from Roman to John, making sure he didn’t suspect anything. But John and Marlena both suspected something with the way she was acting, something that would escalate into an uncontrollable mistake.
The Jarlena Journal 